| Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert | |
|---|---|
 Desert inBalkh Province,Afghanistan | |
 Ecoregion territory (in blue) | |
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Palearctic |
| Biome | Deserts and xeric shrublands |
| Geography | |
| Area | 133,643 km2 (51,600 mi2) |
| Countries | Turkmenistan,Afghanistan,Uzbekistan,Tajikistan,Iran |
| Coordinates | 36°15′N63°45′E / 36.25°N 63.75°E /36.25; 63.75 |
TheBadghyz and Karabil semi-desertecoregion (WWF ID: PA1306) covers the hills north of the central mountain ranges ofAfghanistan, southeastTurkmenistan, and portions ofUzbekistan andTajikistan. The landscape has been described as "savannah-like" and reminiscent of Africa,[1] with desert sedges (Carex) and stands of wild pistachio trees (Pistacia vera). The area supports high biodiversity and a number of rare and endemic species, such as the endangeredTurkmenian kulan(Equus hemionus kulan).[1][2]
The hilly ecoregion is situated between the large sandyKarakum Desert to the north, the Koyentag ('Impassable') Mountains to the east, the Parapamiz Mountains of the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan to the south, andKopet Dag Mountains of Turkmenistan and Iran to the southwest. Throughout the region are large depressions of dried salt pans, supporting salt-tolerant plants.[1]
The climate of the ecoregion is predominantlycold semi-arid (Köppen climate classification BSk) with smaller areas ofHot-summer Mediterranean (Csa) andhot desert (BWh). This climate is characterized hot, sometimes very hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The hottest month averages over 22 °C (72 °F), and the coldest 0–18 °C (32–64 °F).[3][4] Precipitation in the Badhyz Nature Reserve varies from 130 mm/year to 430 mm/year. Winds are often strong, typically from the North and Northwest.[5]
Biodiversity is high in the region, as the climate is relatively mild, and the location is in a transition zone that supports both Iranian-Afghan and Central Asian floral communities. Over 1,100 species of vascular plants have been recorded in the region. The dominant plants are desert sedges, particularly (Carex pachystylis). Also found are Artemisia shrubs, Saltwort, and Saxaul. Protected areas have been set aside to protect groves of the wild Pistachio trees, with one covering 760 km2 (290 sq mi).[5]
The region supports important populations of large mammals, such as the near-threatened Asiatic wild ass (Onager) and theGoitered gazelle.[1] The endangeredEgyptian vulture is also found in the region.[5]
Significant protected areas in the ecoregion include:
Media related toBadghyz and Karabil Semi-Desert Ecoregion at Wikimedia Commons